Reasons Why the Surakarta Palace Customary Council Appointed Hangabehi as Paku Buwono XIV

GKR Koes Moertiyah Wandansari, the Chairperson of the Customary Council (LDA) of the Surakarta Palace, has revealed the reasons behind the appointment of Hangabehi as Sinuhun Paku Buwono (PB) XIV. This appointment marks a new era of customary leadership within the Keraton Kasunanan Surakarta Hadiningrat.

Known affectionately as Gusti Moeng, she emphasised that the appointment process was not instantaneous but rather the result of profound customary considerations involving the extended family of the Surakarta Palace and the Mataram Islam Surakarta lineage. “The appointment process has undergone various customary considerations involving the extended family of the Surakarta Palace and the Mataram Islam Surakarta lineage, as well as lineage or ancestry, and the leadership capacity to protect the palace’s extended family,” stated the daughter of the late PB XII in Surakarta.

According to Gusti Moeng, the aspect of lineage serves as the primary foundation. Hangabehi is the eldest son of PB XIII and Empress KRAy Winari Sri Handayani. Born as Gusti Raden Mas (GRM) Soeriod Soeharto on 5 February 1985, he is deemed to possess strong legitimacy through his ancestry.

Prior to being inaugurated as Sinuhun PB XIV on 13 November 2025, Hangabehi had already undertaken significant responsibilities within the palace structure. He originally held the title KGPH Mangkubumi, which was later changed to KGPH Hangabehi on 24 December 2022.

KRMH Saptono Djati, a prominent figure within the Surakarta Palace, added that the selection was based on the need for a unifying figure. “The extended family of the Surakarta Palace desires a figure capable of acting as a protector and a unifier in maintaining the continuity of custom and culture,” he asserted.

PB XIV was seen during the Grebeg Besar customary procession of the Keraton Kasunanan Surakarta Hadiningrat on 28 May 2026. BRM Nugroho Imam Santoso, the grandson of Paku Buwono XI, expressed appreciation for the Sinuhun’s authority while leading the ceremony. “Alhamdulillah, Sinuhun Paku Buwono XIV personally led the ceremony with solemnity and authority. This demonstrates the spirit of togetherness and unity within the Kasunanan Surakarta environment,” said BRM Nugroho.